Officials Investigate Another Sheen On Macomb County Drain

WARREN (WWJ) - Officials in Macomb County are investigating the source of a sheen on the Red Run Drain in Warren.

Public Works Commissioner Candice Miller says the sheen was discovered Monday between Dequindre and Ryan roads, with the drain flowing east from Dequindre and Chicago before entering the Clinton River near Hayes and Metro Parkway in Clinton Township.

photo: Macomb County Public Works

Workers have put an absorbent boom in place and it is believed all of the material has been contained.

The source of the sheen is unknown. Several times over the past two years, a sheen has been seen coming from the underground portion of the Red Run in Oakland County after a heavy rain.

An investigation of a sheen on the Red Run earlier this year showed diesel fuel was entering the Henry Graham Drain in Madison Heights and then depositing in to the Red Run, but the exact location of the source has eluded detection.

"We have little patience left for finding the source -- or sources -- of this pollution," Miller said in a statement. "Industrial businesses and property owners throughout the Red Run district need to review their practices and make sure diesel or other products are not entering the drain. Once we find the source of this repeated sheen, we will be seeking reimbursement for expenses from the offending party."

If a negligent party is identified, Miller says she'll work with the Michigan Dept. of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy to explore possible fines.